COLUMBIA, S.C. - South Carolina head football coach Steve Spurrier has fired running backs coach Madre Hill saying the Gamecocks need someone with more experience in the position.

At the same time, Spurrier announced that Tyrone Nix has been promoted from co-defensive coordinator to assistant head coach.

South Carolina struggled running the football this season, ranking 110th in the country in rushing offense, averaging 90.9 yards per game.

The 29-year-old Hill completed his first year at the school as running backs coach after serving as a graduate assistant at the University of Arkansas in 2004.

Hill told The Greenville News he was surprised by Spurrier's decision, which he said came Wednesday, but that he appreciated the timing.

"If this would have happened after the bowl, I probably wouldn't have been able to find another job," he told the paper.

The Gamecocks (7-4) are awaiting word on their bowl selection.

"We appreciate the job Madre did this past season," Spurrier said in a press release. "But I believe we need a more experienced coach at this position. We wish Coach Hill the best in the future."

Nix, 33, coached at Southern Mississippi for ten years before joining South Carolina this season.

"If I am away from the team, Tyrone deserves to be in charge," Spurrier said.